‘TOTE’ OR ‘BOOK’?

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 37, 6 May 1927, Page 11

‘TOTE’ OR ‘BOOK’?

BETS ON_A COURSE CHARGE OF BOOKMAKING Cryptic figures and letters on a cigtrette packet were an exhibit against Thomas Jackson (47), who denied at the Supreme Court to-day that he had carried on the business of a bookmaker on March 7.

Though a constable swore that he ted made bets with Jackson, the prisoner said that he had merely made up a ticket on the totalisator with the policeman. The Crown Prosecutor, Mr. V. R. Meredith, said that the prisoner was charged with having carried on the business of a bookmaker at the Waikato Trotting Club’s meeting at Alexandra Park. He was seen in one of the booths, taking money and making notes on the back of cigarette packets before the races. A constable went up to him •md laid three bets with him. The last one was made with three marked coins.

Detective Moon interviewed the man afterwards and found £34 13s on him, including the three marked coins, and aiso the cigarette packet record. Constable E. A. Dunn said that he * ent up to Jackson and said: “Give me five shillings on Speed King.” Jackson said: “I don't bet.” , ”.*f, ness pleaded: “Oh, don’t be rii’” ar ‘ l Jackson replied: “All right. u take it.” Three bets were made. aSt ° ne marked coins. •n r ‘ McLiver, for the defence: tit you know that they make up civets on the course?”—“Not with strangers.”

I suppose you often make up tickets yourself ?”—“No.” kimf^ Ct * ve oon said that he i , Jackson under observation durS the day. When the prisoner saw dropped a cigarette packet, inn hl , ch was written: “5—2. J.A.M.,” Tatut 61 * sets figures and initials. ruvi .. r McLiver: Jackson also had P t,ckets on him. haH I>avis sai( * that he and other men 'he made up totalisator tickets with mg accused - There was no bookmakJohns, a council employee met n?" 3, s;iid th:,t he Jackson u. “in the pub.” on the course, day? McLlver: What did you do all on we would have a ticket then °£ e ’ and a lo °k at the race, and Witne baCk t 0 th, ‘ PUb. carne t sa T id that the constable shares fL t 0 ,*f ackson and asked to go lor p” a ticke t on Master Councilasked the constable had bob’* on ltn f ss If lie could have “five as he horse, but witness refused, son. who ?ike its chances ,Jackto he Vas a de aler, did not appear trots. any hookmaking at thP U>at“he " Gness admitted ,a *°n to thoraces 011 ® 11 " ent " ith •nTke «D re a dlt ,l : „ Yo "' rtidn,t —' to Moon din x, ticket with Detective With \ir \, OU ' oh - IT have five bob "wnts'-to. ° n 1 s ° od horse if he that th.^‘lnJ S ..° n the Crown to prove cf A book„,?i. harried on the business 'hat be ; r ' nDt ' ne '’ el y to show Liver one bet," said Mr. Mcrtt> s‘jlutelv \ consta hle’s evidence was Co htinued '''‘corroborated. "Fancy,” 'arrying un i?| Un S ei ' " a bookmaker <££" ess on ,h< ’ back Ca *e ,3?'’ de . fence <n this co ®aitted ht ,w that ■""•jury h?s been “übmitted that i* >< L bol ‘ ce officers. He Ja ' kson wwad»s d » U been Proved that Hig Honn,,* Ss ?’ a " bookmaker. ***<l that the Justice stringer "'“‘■e made Hid that one or ‘"o bets "laking. n , ot constitute bookJl "-k Son Wa ° n| y evidence against •ertain day bout “ s conduct on a le jury retired at 12.53.

After the luncheon adjournment the jury returned with a verdict of not guilty. The prisoner was discharged. His Honour ordered that the five shillings in marked coins should be returned to Jackson as the jury had not found him guilty of gaining it illegally.